1438) When I think about the title of this minute devotion, I think, Who wants to destroy others, especially Christians? but then I pause and think of the world I live in and feel destruction’s sting.  

Destruction of others is all around us. We see people literally pushing others out of the way to be first in line. We experience rage when driving down a crowded road. These two examples cradle different means of destruction and so does Proverbs 18:8.

According to this verse, one of the vilest forms of destruction is gossip. When we choose to spread rumors we know can crush someone else, we become destroyers. When we disguise our urge to expose the actions and motives of others as a prayer request, we can step across the line of genuine concern into tainted piety. (And, of course, no one really knows a motive of someone else.) When we choose not to speak up in defense of another’s honor, we add our hand to the sword of destruction.

What can we do in these situations? We can always remind ourselves that we are sinners, saved by grace and that God has every right to destroy us. He chooses to forgive and save instead.

Let’s put down the sword of gossip and look for ways to build each other up.